THE Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has extended, to November 13, the deadline for interested investors to manage, operate and develop the 16 hectare Fort Clarence Beach Park in Hellshire, St Catherine, under a long-term concession agreement.

The UDC and PricewaterhouseCoopers Tax and Advisory Services Limited (PwC), which is handling the privatisation, advised that potential eco-tourism developments for the area include kite and wind surfing, glass bottom boat tours, nature trail with interactive tours of exotic birds, snakes, iguanas and other indigenous species.

PwC advised that the divestment is now at the Request for Qualification stage, which requires interested individuales to participate in a pre-qualification process. It said pre-qualification documents may be requested by emailing pwctanda@jm.pwc.com, or by letter addressed to:c/o PricewaterhouseCoopers Tax and Advisory Services Ltd at the Scotiabank Centre, Kingston.

It said interested individuales may also view the pre-qualification documents at www.udcja.com, www.dbankjm.com or www.jamaicatradeandinvest.org. All interested parties will be required to complete the process of pre-qualification within the November 13 deadline stated.

Fort Clarence Beach Park is among the finest white sand beaches on the south-east coast.

The property is 8.3 acres with the beachfront area being a 1,635,672 feet expanse. The total development area of the property is 1,089,000 square feet. The beach park is popular for family fun days and picnics, and serves as an ideal relaxation spot for residents of Hellshire, Portmore and Kingston.

Originally named after Englishman David Small, who built the fort, it was later renamed Fort Clarence, possibly in honour of William Duke of Clarence, King of England from 1830 to 1837. Fort Small along with Fort Johnson played a critical role in the defence of the island during the 18th century.

The UDC has been managing the popular attraction since March 1972 and recently constructed a new administrative office as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the facility.